Noosa 360

Following our August update, which confirmed a trial of modified acoustic whale alarms would be conducted at Noosa during the 2026 southern whale migration period, the Queensland Government has now confirmed via a Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Media Statement that the trial is underway, with details on how…

Following our June Update and with reference to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Service Delivery Statement (p.2), which commits to conducting scientific research into shark populations and delivering a strengthened Queensland Shark Control Program for the protection of Queensland beachgoers, we submitted a Question on Notice to…

As discussed in our May update, we asked a Question on Notice of the Minister for Primary Industries seeking clarification on: when the trial decision-making framework to assess alternative shark mitigation technologies and strategies will be delivered what criteria will…

With the beginning of whale migration season, our ongoing advocacy regarding Queensland’s Shark Control Program on behalf of residents, organisations and stakeholders, including Oceans For All, continues, including on a potential trial for whale deterrent technologies to prevent net entanglements.…

In a recent parliamentary speech, Sandy raised Noosa’s concerns with Queensland’s Shark Control Program and urged the State Government to act on community feedback and Noosa Council’s request for a trial to replace shark nets with safe alternative measures during…

Two whale entanglements recently occurred in the Noosa Main Beach shark nets, on 17 September and 6 October 2025. Once reported to the Shark Control Program Hotline, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ contractor, Paddy Marine, was dispatched on both…

Since the release of the Queensland Shark Management Plan 2025-2029 covered in our May 2025 Noosa 360 update, we have received more responses to our advocacy from the Minister for Primary Industries as well conducted further research, which is collated…

As mentioned in our October 2024 Noosa 360 update, an independent review of the Shark Control Program (SCP) was commissioned by the previous government and undertaken by KPMG. This has now been released alongside a surprise announcement by the state…

Sandy’s advocacy has continued  and since her dedicated Noosa MP survey in March 2024, the results were taken to the Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries as mentioned in our April 2024 Noosa 360 update. Mentioned in the…

As an Independent MP, it is important for Sandy to hear directly from Noosa constituents, as she does not simply adopt the ideology or beliefs of any particular political party, nor her own views, instead strives to represent the diversity…

In response to community concerns regarding whale entanglements, Sandy has opened a survey to gauge the views of Noosa State Electorate residents on the specifics regarding the use of shark nets at Noosa Main Beach. This includes whether further trials…

As per our October 2023 Noosa 360 update, the Noosa Shark Nets Working Group is now established and for anyone who would like to be involved/contribute, please email sunshinecoast@surfrider.org.au. Following further enquiries from our office to the Queensland Minister for…

With the recent entangling of a baby whale in shark nets off Noosa Main Beach, the meeting organised for October 3 at the J by the Surfrider team and Cr Amelia Lorentson was especially relevant. This brought together numerous organisations,…

Investigation and trialing of alternative shark controls measures continues, with the most recent being research delivered by Flinders University into the effectiveness of commercially available personal electric shark deterrents on tiger sharks, for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. The…

In response to our most recent letter to the Minister for Fisheries, Hon Mark Furner regarding alternate shark control measures in QLD, we have received the following (in italics): The Queensland Shark Management Plan 2021-2025 sets out how the Queensland…

Further to our previous update including the Minister’s response to Sandy’s Question on Notice, available at https://sandybolton.com/shark-nets-and-control-measures-update-26-july-2021/,  Noosa Main Beach is currently participating in the drone trial. To read more about this trial, visit https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/shark-control-program/shark-control-equipment/drone-trial You can also read more…

Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRS) have informed us on their progress in efforts regarding the trialing of alternative shark control methods in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. At last year’s Marine Species Protection Symposium, NBRS introduced recommendations which were reviewed by…

The following ministerial response has been received by the Queensland Parliament for the “Remove outdated, lethal shark nets and drumlines” petition. Click here to read the response from The Hon Mark Furner MP, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries…

In response to queries put forward to the office, a Question on Notice was asked of the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries regarding alternative shark control measures, please see the below transcript. QUESTION: With reference to the Noosa…

In response to community concerns, we put forward a Question to the Minister during Budget/Estimates December 2020 to obtain an update on mitigating risk to our swimmers and marine life. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has confirmed that since…

The Department for Agriculture and Fisheries has confirmed the Federal Government has committed $5 million to assist with the redeployment of the shark drum lines in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), plus an extra $1 million for the…

Read our September 2026 newsletter! With everything from the Queensland Budget Estimates to Noosa River and housing updates, the Tewantin Bypass, e-bike changes, shark control and whale entanglements, plus so much more!

Transparency, accountability and good governance are fundamental to a healthy democracy. Queenslanders deserve confidence that public funds are spent wisely, government decisions properly scrutinised, and elected representatives genuine opportunities to hold ministers to account. That is why the Budget Estimates…

Read this July 2026 newsletter! With everything from the Queensland Budget to new e-mobility laws, updates on the Shark Control Program and celebrating this year’s wonderful Noosa Queensland Day Award recipients, plus so much more!

Welcome to our new look newsletter everyone, with thanks to staffer Jack and feedback appreciated! Now to the month where amongst the many wonderful moments, the Citizenship Ceremony was especially heartwarming with fifty-four of our newest Noosa family members from…